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Virginia to Kentucky Moving Guide

Updated June 8, 2025

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Planning a 423 mile interstate move from Virginia to Kentucky? This moving guide will help you compare living in Virginia vs Kentucky across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like higher cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Virginia Ham vs Kentucky Fried Chicken), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs colonial, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Virginia), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Virginia Ham and BBQ Pork, but get your taste buds ready for Kentucky Fried Chicken & Mutton BBQ
  • Kentucky housing costs are 48% less expensive than they are in Virginia
  • Rent in Kentucky is 28.47% more affordable than in Virginia
  • Moving from Virginia to Kentucky will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Virginia to Kentucky movers is ARS Movers

Virginia to Kentucky Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to Kentucky

ConsVirginia iconVirginia
  • Higher cost of living
  • Heavy traffic congestion
  • Denser population
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
ProsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Lower cost of living
  • Smoother commutes
  • Less crowded spaces
  • Relaxed pace of life

Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Fewer historical landmarks
  • No ocean coastline
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Smaller job market
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Rich historical sites
  • Coastal attractions
  • Varied cultural scene
  • Diverse job market

Pros of moving from Virginia to Kentucky

  • Say goodbye to the higher cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
  • Look forward to moving away from the heavy traffic congestion and moving to Kentucky with smoother commutes
  • Swap the denser population of Virginia for less crowded spaces in Kentucky
  • Get ready for a relaxed pace of life in Kentucky

Cons of moving from Virginia to Kentucky

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich historical sites in Virginia to live with fewer historical landmarks in Kentucky
  • You'll lose out on the pro of coastal attractions and have to settle for the con of no ocean coastline
  • Time to bid farewell to the varied cultural scene and get used to fewer cultural events in Kentucky
  • Swap the diverse job market for a smaller job market

Virginia vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonVirginiaKentucky
Most iconic local food itemVirginia HamKentucky Fried Chicken
Most popular meat dishBBQ PorkMutton BBQ
Most popular street food itemOystersHot Brown Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodGrain BowlFried Green Tomatoes
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Inn at Little Washington
  • Lemaire Restaurant
  • Zynodoa
  • Mammoth Cave Hotel Dining Room
  • Brown Hotel
  • Wallace Station
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Virginia to Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Virginia Ham of Virginia for the equally delicious Kentucky Fried Chicken of Kentucky. And while the locals in Virginia rave about their flavorful BBQ Pork and sumptuous Oysters, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Mutton BBQ and Hot Brown Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grain Bowl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Fried Green Tomatoes of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Virginia eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, Lemaire Restaurant, and Zynodoa. After the boxes are unpacked in Kentucky, don't wait too long before making your way to Kentucky's acclaimed eateries like Mammoth Cave Hotel Dining Room, Brown Hotel, and Wallace Station.

When comparing lifestyles, Kentucky shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Virginia. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Kentucky compared to what you are used to in Virginia. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Kentucky.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Virginia and Kentucky

ComparisonVirginiaKentucky
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodColonial, Ranch
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingEnergy efficiency, Outdoor spacesLarge lots, Spacious kitchens
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Kentucky.
  • Compared to Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference energy efficiency and outdoor spaces, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like large lots and spacious kitchens.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Kentucky is less walkable than Virginia.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Kentucky is less bike-friendly than Virginia.
  • Kentucky has less of an urban feel than Virginia.
  • Kentucky housing costs are 48% less expensive than they are in Virginia, with a median home price of $201,332 compared to Virginia’s $385,780.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased 47% compared to a 42% increase in Virginia.
  • Rent in Kentucky is 28.47% more affordable than in Virginia.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Virginia and Kentucky

ComparisonVirginiaKentucky
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersHurricanes, FloodsTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 66Β°F87Β°F / 67Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47Β°F / 27Β°F44Β°F / 24Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)44"50"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)10-20"12-25"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Virginia to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 5% fewer sunshine days than Virginia.
  • Kentucky has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Virginia.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Kentucky.
  • The average summer high temperature in Kentucky is 2 degrees warmer than in Virginia.
  • The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in Virginia.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 6 more inches of rain compared to Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Virginia and Kentucky

ComparisonVirginiaKentucky
Avg. Household Income$85,873$59,341
Cost of Living Index96.687.8
State Income Tax2% to 5.75%5%
Avg. Property Tax0.80%0.83%
Avg. Sales Tax5.3%6%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Government, FarmingCoal Mining, Automotive, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyMildHigher
HomelessnessLowLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 31% less than in Virginia
  • The COLI in Kentucky will be 9% lower than what you are used to living in Virginia
  • The state income tax in KY is 5% compared to 2% to 5.75% in VA
  • The affluence in Kentucky is modest compared to moderate in Virginia
  • The poverty level is higher in Kentucky compared to mild in Virginia
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Virginia and low in Kentucky

Political and Religious Climate in Virginia vs. Kentucky

ComparisonVirginiaKentucky
Political Make-upSwing state, recently leaning towards DemocraticReliably Republican in presidential elections
Local PoliticsDiverse, varies by regionConservative, with pockets of Democratic support
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse religious communitiesPrimarily Protestant Christian, with Baptist dominance
  • Virginia tends to lean swing state, recently leaning towards Democratic in its political climate
  • Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as reliably Republican in presidential elections
  • Kentucky's religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant Christian, with Baptist dominance
  • Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to Kentucky

ComparisonVirginiaKentucky
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
William & Mary
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsArlington Science Focus School - Arlington
Nuckols Farm Elementary - Henrico
Cooper Middle - McLean
Lincoln Elementary Performing Arts - Louisville
Rosa Parks Elementary - Lexington
Pikeville Elementary - Pikeville
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLongfellow Middle - Falls Church
Cooper Middle - McLean
Frost Middle - Fairfax
Beaumont Middle - Lexington
Meyzeek Middle - Louisville
South Oldham Middle - Crestwood
Top 3 High SchoolsThomas Jefferson High for Science and Technology - Alexandria
McLean High - McLean
Langley High - McLean
DuPont Manual High - Louisville
Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science - Bowling Green
Highlands High - Fort Thomas
Top 3 private high schoolsThomas Jefferson School - Alexandria
The Potomac School - McLean
St. Anne's-Belfield School - Charlottesville
The Lexington School - Lexington
Sacred Heart Academy - Louisville
The Sayre School - Lexington
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Potomac School - McLean
Flint Hill School - Oakton
Madeira School - McLean
The Lexington School - Lexington
St. Francis School - Goshen
Sayre School - Lexington
Top 3 School DistrictsFairfax County Public Schools
Loudoun County Public Schools
Arlington Public Schools
Fayette County Public Schools
Jefferson County Public Schools
Oldham County Schools

How Much Do Virginia to Kentucky Movers Cost?

Moving 423 miles from Virginia to Kentucky will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Estes SureMove
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,442300 ft3$4.81
1 Bedroom$2,141450 ft3$4.76
2 Bedrooms$3,531750 ft3$4.71
3 Bedrooms$5,1231100 ft3$4.66
4 Bedrooms$7,3721600 ft3$4.61
5+ Bedrooms$8,2041800 ft3$4.56

Top Virginia to Kentucky Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Virginia to Kentucky movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
ARS Movers featured image

ARS Movers

Best moving company overall for Virginia to Kentucky

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
A Change of Place Movers

A Change of Place Movers

9.59/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Matthew's Nationwide Moving featured image

Matthew's Nationwide Moving

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details